When There Comes A Special Day

by Mr. David R. Dorrycott

the usual suspects copyright Mr. Simon Barber.

People had been arriving for the last half hour, but the Russian sable Tatiana had seen none of them. Nor had she been allowed to see Millicent. Tradition they told her. No matter that just sixteen nights ago they had shared the same bed. This was Millicent’s wedding day. It was always very bad luck for the bride to be seen by her groom on her wedding day. No matter that her groom was also female. It urked the sable that she had spent the entire morning grooming herself, with her mothers help. Dressing in her best Songmark uniform, then finding herself unable to at least speak with Millicent. And the music, a blend of English and Russian tunes that sometimes grated on the Russian’s nerves. Just who had selected The Moon Is Shining Brightly. They should be hanged. She absolutely hated that gay light hearted tune. Mainly the sable admitted, because she had never been any good dancing to it.

Tatiana Bryzov-Wei looked at herself in the full length mirror yet again. What she saw didn’t impress her at the moment. For what she saw was an eighteen year old, very nervous sable. Her normally sweet voice was trapped in a dust dry throat and her best Songmark uniform, fresh from the cleaners, looked foolishly cheap. ‘Is only Millicent’ she reminded herself. ‘It is because she needs me. Not that I love her as Ada loves Angelica. She is my punishment. I do not truly love her.’ She looked again at that pale face under freshly coffered fur. ‘If all that is true. Why then am I so nervous?’ ’ Still talking and planning seemed to have nothing to do with the actual event. For right at this moment she wished that Miss Devinski was shooting those curious red stones at her again, not sitting in an Euro church filled to overflowing with Songmark students. Students who had been given a rare day off. It was not that often that a Songmark student married during term. In fact Mrs. Oelabe had mentioned that this had never happened before.

Outside the tiny room she stood in the music changed, something European Tatiana knew from the style, but did not recognize. Millicent loved Liszt, but had decided not to jinx her wedding by playing it. For a different reason, that Tatiana was not a member of the Russian Orthodox Church, Millicent had quietly set aside the idea of a venchanie style wedding. A knock came, then the door behind Tatiana opened almost causing the sable to lose her water. She would learn later that the song was Trumpet Tune and Air, but it would be years before she understood why it was chosen.

“It is time daughter” the priestess Oharu announced gently. Trying to swallow Tatiana simply nodded to the mouse in agreement, then noted the glass of water her adopted mother held. Gratefully she accepted the glass, quickly draining its contents. Her throat quickly went from desert dry dust to simply ancient brick dry. Setting her glass aside she followed the mouse out. Oharu was giving her away, taking the place of a long dead father. It was a fact that the sable did not miss.

Stepping beside Oharu, who was wearing her best kimono Tatiana noted, the two started that endless slow march towards a waiting priest. This was the only Euro priest who would officiate at such a wedding Tatiana remembered. She heard the gentle sound of soft silk slide against itself as the smaller mouse kept step with her. ‘Her best kimono. I remember, she had once dreamed of wearing it to an altar herself. With a certain doe beside her.’ It had taken a special dispensation from Spontoon’s High Priestess for Oharu to be here, but missing ones only daughters wedding was not to be done. Not even if that daughter had been adopted only a year or less before. It had taken Tatiana’s begging on her knees to gain that permission, though she hoped that her mother did not yet know that little fact.

Somewhere behind her the feline Millicent awaited to be brought forward. She had her father though to stand beside her. He had arrived two days ago, then met with Tatiana outside of Songmark’s gates and decided that, though the idea of his daughter marrying a woman went completely against his beliefs. His daughter had certainly chosen a strong enough woman to stand beside her. Millicent’s mother though had been unable to attend. She had sent word that she would meet them in Hawaii during their honeymoon, after Songmark closed.

A paw on her arm brought the sable out of her thoughts. They had arrived where they should be. “Thank you mother” Tatiana whispered.

“I am honored” the mouse replied. “To be your svideteli.” Her voice was now rich, pure. Nothing like the shattered voice that Tatiana had gotten used too. What powers, what magic had been used the sable did not know. Only that whatever had happened, her mother was now very deeply in someone, or something’s debt.

Turning around Tatiana stared back down the aisle she had just walked up. On her left were half the English staff, even several Russian staff members, including her current controller Comrade Milkin, sat near the wall. Comrade Milkin held a folding camera in her paws, but no flash was evident. On Tatiana’s right were most of the Songmark students and staff. All in their best uniforms. Even that first year dorm current on extreme restriction was present. It was a humbling sight. She knew that there had been a meeting this morning between the instructors and all students. As to what that meeting had been about Tatiana was uncertain, but if no one stood to complain about the marriage, she was certain that she would quickly have an idea.

Abruptly the music faded, to be replaced by another piece. Not though the common wedding march, it was something Tatiana recognized. Something Russian, but from where she wondered. Then it struck her, it was the Coronation March for Czar Alexander III. She started to look to were a certain bulldog was sitting, only to have her mother stop her yet again.

“Do not” the mouse whispered. “It was Millicent’s choice. She makes statement to all. Even to myself. I stand with both you now. Not only yourself my daughter.”

Fighting a sudden trickle of fear Tatiana remained standing. From the corner of her eyes she could see movement within the Russian group. Comrade Milkin though, the woman was not only taking notes but photographs as well. Was that a smile on the raccoons face Tatiana asked herself. Then a flash of ivory caught her eye. Turning her full attention to the doorway she forgot to breath.

Millicent had stepped to the opening with her father, was standing in a pool of colored sunlight while she adjusted her dress before entering. Her father was wearing a traditional suit of course, shiny black and white. His daughter so outshone him that he looked almost a poor beggar beside her. Millicent though. ‘Oh my’ Tatiana thought as she looked into that face. Forget the dress, how it clung about that body as if painted on. How the churches stained glass caused multi-colored light to play across that pale delicate cloth. Or how those priceless jewels sparkled as stars in exactly the correct places. Millicent’s face was radiant. When had she become so beautiful the sable asked herself.

“All brides look such” Oharu whispered again. “Breath daughter. Breath and burn into memory this scene. Burn so remember when old grey furred woman. She give to you herself. Love her but carefully. Do not harm her. She will always be fragile. You are now her world.”

A short trail of ivory skirt followed Millicent as she walked slowly forward to the majestic music. Her eyes were though were locked on Tatiana’s own. It was as if there were no one else in the world at this moment but the two of them. Tatiana could only watch as her bride came closer, feeling in her stomach a sudden desire to run away. To escape this impossible dream. This could not be, this goddess in ivory, lace and jewels could not be meant for her. Could not possibly be considered a punishment. Yet Millicent continued to walk forward, finally stopping next to Tatiana.

“You are so handsome my Lady” the feline whispered as she stopped next to the sable. “I am breathless with your beauty my dearest love.” Her words stunned the sable, making her forget her next part in this play.

“Turn around” Oharu commanded, still whispering. As she did so Tatiana felt ivory silk slide across her paws on both sides. Her mothers kimono, Millicent’s richer Russian wedding dress. This was real. As much as she had once detested the idea of even touching another woman, before her training, even then approaching such with great distaste. She was now freely binding her life with this one.

A cough as the ram stood, looking down from his place at the four standing before him. He had officiated at more weddings than he could remember, but this was the strangest pooling of power he had ever seen. English diplomat, his daughter. Certain members of the English Consulate he rarely saw. Thus the English Crown was present in its own way. As was the English military. A woman he well knew to be a Russian agent, who looked so much like a certain other woman that he himself had met but once. So in his mind the Russian Czar was here, in spirit at least. And with her probably the third or forth most important priestess in Spontoon, if his information was correct. A Japanese who had once been Miko, who had served her Emperor directly. Now she served Spontoon’s Gods just as faithfully. Oh yes, there was more here than the average eye could see. So much more. Even here in his own Holy Place he could feel the power she held within her. Power that already fully enveloped the sable, and even now touched the housecat as though she were the same. Then there was Songmark, and that yellow furred hound that even here caused his spirit some disquiet. Oh this was going to be an interesting day for his diary. That was for certain. What came in the future just might ring this world like a large bell, if all the Gods present or represented decided that it should.

Then the music Millicent had walked too faded away, now it was his place now to speak. Stepping down to stand before the four he looked about his Gods house, his trained eyes seeing things the average mortal could never suspect. Seeing them, noting every one was benign here, marking them. This told him these two truly desired to join their lives. That neither was truly forced, though it was obvious to him that the Russian was still somewhat unsure. As if everything had moved too quickly for her to fully comprehend as yet. For if this had been a forced marriage, the battle that would have ensued would have been most horrid. A cough and he began.

“We are gathered here this day” he started. “To bind these two in holy matrimony. Unlike most marriages preformed within this house of God, today we open our doors to many Gods and Goddess’s. Those whom these two worship, those whom you who attend this ceremony worship or may serve. No matter this, for these two this is a day of greatest joy. A day that they will remember all their lives. For today they pledge their love eternal. To have. To hold. To cherish in all ways good and evil. To become as one for all the days of their lives. As with all marriages, no matter how preformed, this is a day of great joy for all involved. It is not to be looked upon lightly, for their vows can never be light ones.”

He turned his attention then upon the four standing before him. “Who gives this Lady to marriage” he asked, his deep voice filling the building. That was Oharu’s cue he knew, and the mouse stunned him with her answer and action.

Bowing slightly to the ram, as equal to equal, Oharu stepped forward. “I give this woman to marriage. I. Oharu Wei. Priestess Guardian of Great Stone Glen. Servant to High Priestess of Spontoon. I give my only daughter, Tatiana Bryzov-Wei, to marriage” the mouse announced. Then she turned to one side to walk away, her part of this ceremony now over.

So much more she was the ram realized. Still he was no base novice himself, though he made a mental note to speak with that mouse at greater length than he had this morning. And soon. Turning to Millicent and her father he continued. “Who gives this woman to marriage” he continued.

Millicent’s father simply stepped forward. “I give this maiden to marriage. I. William Robert Arthur Holmes. Ambassador for His Majesty to the nation of Piccucapac, give my daughter, Millicent Elizabeth Holmes, to marriage” he answered. Exactly the same style of words the mouse had used, which told the priest only that the two had decided between them this part. With a final look to his daughter the grey furred housecat followed Oharu to that small bench waiting.

That left but the two before him. For a few moments more he studied the two. A second year Songmark girl, in her best. He had always heard bad about Songmark girls, yet the entire school sat silently. And this girl. No woman he corrected himself as he looked into her eyes. Woman, stood strong and straight. Millicent seemed to him as do all blushing brides, though he dearly hoped that she would not take in too great a breath. Her poor dress had not been designed to restrain what it now held. Each time she breathed his sensitive ears brought to him the soft sounds of paw stitched seams stressed almost to their breaking point. Very well he decided. They are willing, I am willing, my God is willing. Their Gods are willing. We shall do this.

“We have come today to join this lady and woman into the bonds of most holy matrimony” he intoned, proud of himself for not having slipped and said man. “Now it may be said that these two are too young to enter into such a union, yet let us remember that both are well above the age required by both their countries, and of Spontoon itself. Others may complain that they are of the same sex, yet as I was informed just this morning. No one controls for whom their heart will blossom. These are words I find filled with truth.”

He changed his stance, his right knee giving him trouble again. “And yet others will accept the first two problems as nothing, yet complain that they are of different species, religions, nations, beliefs or even political following. Understand that I have looked deeply upon these things, I have prayed to my God for guidance and been answered. I find no reason to deny these two the life that they so much desire.”

He paused, flipping open his bible to read, then closing it. It was a time waster, one he used in most marriages. “Before me stand Tatiana Bryzov-Wei, a student in good standing with the Songmark Aeronautical Boarding School for Young Ladies. Beside her proudly stands Millicent Elizabeth Holmes, an employee of the British Consulate. Also in good standing. Let it be known that I have also spoken with Spontoon’s authorities. I have found that there are no complaints against either. Let it also be known that both wish to start a family, and that both are well trained to support such. Having said this, is there anyone in this house of God, who for any reason, believes that these two should not wed?”

This part he did dislike, for occasionally one or more would stand, making accusations or bringing forward unknown information. He waited, but other than a very small disturbance in the Russian section no sound was made. Of course he ignored the constant snaps of cameras, and the squirrel who hovered about with his professional equipment.

“Very well, then let it be known that no mortal objection has been raised to this marriage.”

Turning to Tatiana he noticed that the sable was almost ridged with fear. Casting his voice so low that only the two before him could hear he caught her attention. “Child. I have done this many times. Trust me. No one has died standing before me yet.”

“Is first time” Tatiana replied in a tiny voice.

“True, but if you die your Millicent will most assuredly kill you.”

His words had the desired effect, Tatiana smiled at the tiny joke. “Continue” she whispered.

“Tatiana Bryzov-Wei. In the presence of the God of this place. Of those who have come to witness your words. Is it your desire to marry Millicent Elizabeth Holmes. To take her as your wife. In sickness, in health. In good times and bad. To support her when she is overburdened, to give of yourself fully and without question?”

“Dah. Is Pravda” Tatiana announced in a slightly louder than required voice.

Turning to Millicent he continued. “Millicent Elizabeth Holmes. In the presence of the God of this place. Of those who have come to witness your words. Is it your desire to marry Tatiana Bryzov-Wei. To take her as your lady. In sickness, in health. In good times and bad. To support her when she is overburdened, to give of yourself fully and without question?”

“Yes. Oh so very much yes” Millicent answered, her voice sending chills down the sables spine all the way to the tip of her tail.

“Who has the ring” he asked, to almost laugh as Tatiana caused them to appear from nowhere with slight of paw. He motioned to Millicent “Give her yours” he whispered. When that had been done he again continued.

“As is has been proven that there is no reason these two souls may not be joined in holy matrimony. As both have professed their love and devotion. Millicent Elizabeth Holmes. Should your heart be for this woman, please place upon your Ladies finger that ring which will bind her to you for all the days of her life.”

Turning to fully face Tatiana, Millicent took the sables left paw into her own. Holding the ring just upon the clawtip of Tatiana’s finger she intoned her chosen personal oath. “In the presence of God and these our friends I take thee to be my Lady. Promising with Divine assistance to be unto thee a loving and faithful wife so long as we both shall live.” As she spoke Millicent slid that plain gold band upon Tatiana’s finger. As she did so she felt the sable’s paw tremble and smiled. For she herself was about to lose her water, only the acute embarrassment, and the damage to her priceless gown kept her from doing so.

Tatiana felt the cool metal slide along her finger until it bumped softly against a knuckle. Both knew that Millicent would have to hold that ring for her while she was in school, for only the Rotes other-worldly rings were allowed. Those ivory things that caught on nothing, did not even make a sound when tapped upon thin metal. This gold though would most likely tear her finger off on rope, and Millicent had expressed a great desire that her sable not lose any body parts.

“Such as has been done” the priest announced to the watching crowd. “That Millicent Elizabeth Holmes has expressed her love, has pledged herself to her Lady.” Turning his attention on Tatiana he smiled at the wondering sable. “Tatiana Bryzov-Wei. Should your heart be for this woman, please place upon your Ladies finger that ring which will bind her to you for all the days of her life.”

Tatiana swallowed. This was real. This then was her punishment, for as her mother had warned Millicent was a fragile woman. She knew that if she ever turned against the housecat, that Millicent’s mind would shatter like glass. Looking into those loving eyes Tatiana only wanted to scream, to turn and run away. To hide on some forgotten island, never to speak to another soul for the rest of her life. Yet she had freely chosen to come here, to marry Millicent. ‘Truly Mama Krasa, I understand.’ she whispered in her mind. Gently taking Millicent’s left paw into her own she slid that golden circle only a little upon the cats finger, watching as those eyes widened, those soft lips parted just a little.

“Millicent” she said. “Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you. For where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people, your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die and there I will be buried. May the Gods we both worship do with me and more if anything but death parts you from me. “ As she finished her words she felt the ring strike Millicent’s knuckle. Perhaps a bit harder than her own, but not so much as to cause pain. Yet it was not quite done she knew, though so much she wished it was, for now Tatiana found that she wished to do nothing more than crush her body against the felines very yielding one. Now, and forever.

“Being as these two have stood before us” the priest continued. “Having expressed their vows of eternal love before God to each other. Have exchanged rings of lifetime commitment. Tatiana Bryzov-Wei. Millicent Elizabeth Holmes. By the powers granted me by my Church and by the authority granted me by the government of Spontoon. I now pronounce you Lady and wife.” He looked out to his audience. “Let no one attempt to break what has been bound this day. For not only will the God of this House be angry, I most assuredly warn that many other Gods and Goddess’s will be angry. Very angry.”

Having given his warning he looked back to the two before him, who had still not broken their gaze. “You may now kiss your bride Tatiana.”

Somewhere in the Songmark section a sweet Southern American voice called out. “Ahn if you don’t. Be most assured tha I will.”

This brought a smile to the priest, for it meant that there were those who truly accepted this bonding. Music soon rose as the ceremony ended, yet it took a whispered order from him to break the two apart. “You have all your lives children. Do not waste this day standing before me. I am old and quite unattractive you understand.”

Breaking their kiss the two giggled, then paw in paw walked slowly out of the Church. ‘Oh yes, this was a day for his diary’ he decided as he spotted two rather special attendees in the back. ‘A very important day.’

Tatiana led Millicent towards the doorway, only to be guided by her wife to a small room near the front. “Our guests must prepare the walk” Millicent explained as she closed the door behind her.

“The walk?” Tatiana asked, confused.

“Why of course, you would not understand. Tatiana. When we walk out it will be to a hale of rice, cheers by those who wish us well and a line of those who we must traverse to our waiting car. It is tradition. My father, your mother and the Major have worked to prepare this.” Millicent grinned, a rather predatory look on her face Tatiana thought. “This will be our most important day my love. Our second most will be when I present you with our first kitten. It is also a very important day to those who have come. Please, do not ruin it for them.”

“There is reception” the sable stammered. “”Can be done at reception. And why car? It only few blocks to Embassy.”

“Seven, to be exact” the feline agreed. “Seven long dirty blocks that I shall not walk in this dress my dear. I will not ruin this dress simply for your stoic desires. I simply will not.”

Slowly coming out of her confusion Tatiana realized what her now precious feline meant. Were she to walk the streets in that dress it would quickly be ruined. Of certainly a brides wedding dress was her most cherished treasure. At least she remembered Mama Krasa saying so only weeks before... She shoved that memory from her mind. Mama Krasa never had a wedding dress, she was certain of that. Having examined everything in their little hovel after her parents were taken away. ‘My punishment’ the sable understood fully as she pushed that thought away. ‘On my happiest day, I am reminded of my greatest evil. Of sweet Millicent, no interrogation chamber for your sweet eyes.’

“There is a problem” Millicent asked. “You seem so sad.”

Taking a deep breath Tatiana took Millicent’s paws into her own. “I never lie to you again. Ever. I was remembering Mama Krasa. What I did. Millicent. I never allow such to happen to you. Never.”

“But you will not explain what did happen” Millicent asked.

“One day yes. In future. Not now. I was great traitor to those who loved me. Great traitor. I die before I ever harm you.”

A knock came to the door just then, before Millicent could ask further questions. Opening just a bit her fathers voice came through. “Are you two decent still” he asked.

“Oh father, do come in” Millicent laughed. “We are quite decent, my word on that.”

Stepping in Ambassador Holmes shut the door behind him. “Lady Oharu has gone to Great Stone Glenn, she informed me that her dispensation is over” he explained. “And Millicent, I can assure you that your mother and I were in no way decent when her father knocked. He had to wait almost seven minutes before he could come in, much to his amusement. Now a few things. Tatiana, I have been made fully aware of your situation, and my daughters agreement to act as bait for slavers. I do not understand why you two would do such a thing, but I have been assured by Major Hawkins and Mr. Dassher that you Tatiana, will allow no harm to come to my Minnie. This is a different world now, and I must accept that my little Minnie has grown up. I would like a letter from both of you once this mission is over, if you will.”

“Of course father” Millicent agreed, squeezing Tatiana’s paw to silence her. “What we may say of it. I am most proud that I have been accepted for this mission. That though is still months away father. Sergeant Proud has promised to keep my training advancing, but you are quite correct. It will be my Tatty that I depend upon. Though there will be other forces involved, I assure you. I am not an agent father, I have no desire to be such.” She paused, looking into Tatiana’s eyes a moment before releasing her second greatest secret. Looking back at her father she stood the straighter. “I wish to be a diplomat. Exactly as yourself father.”

“Well. That is not unknown” he admitted. “Rare, but not unknown. I have some books at home in my library...”

“Which I committed to memory by the time I was twelve father” Millicent admitted.

“Very well then. I see. I will ask about, though you cannot hope for many years Minni. Such appointments are never given to teenagers after all. Even married ones.” Tapping his hat, which he held in one paw the older feline licked his lips before continuing with his original subject. “It is just this. Tatiana, I would like you to call me father. If you wish. Certainly my wife will expect to be called mother. It is of course expected. We have a second, somewhat smaller cottage in the North Country. It is somewhat near Hexham. Still the place is quite isolated. When you come to England I shall be delighted to give you the keys. It is, other than my daughter, our wedding gift to you. You see none of our other children have any interest in leaving the London area. It really is a nice place, a large back garden and such.”

“Father. You are embarrassing my wife” Millicent laughed after watching Tatiana’s expression change. “And that I fear will always be a problem father, as we are both wives.”

“Thus the Lady and wife. An excellent choice of words. Minnie, of the two of you your Russian is much more the Lady than you ever were.”

“Sir” Tatiana managed to say even though Millicent continued to nearly crush her paw. “I will be delighted to visit cottage. It sounds good place to leave Milly, when she has kits. I am adventurer, Milly.” She shrugged. “Milly is social woman. I trip over feet try be social. We will talk more, in Hawaii?”

“I will try, duty you understand. It was difficult simply to have this time free. Now. I believe that the raging hordes of well wishers are ready. I will follow last. And Tatiana. Should you hurt my daughter. Be well aware that I shall send every drop of British military force I may call upon after you.”

“Pravda. Would be large mistake I harm my Milly. Mother be most unhappy with me. I much like what sleep I have. We go now?”

Stepping aside Ambassador Holmes opened the door. “Of course. And those raging hordes of mad Englishmen will come should you need them. Remember that. Now you two have a long day ahead of you. And if my Minnie is anything like her mother. A very, very long night.”

Blushing in embarrassment Tatiana stepped out first, still holding Millicent’s paw. They stepped out of the relative quite room into chaos. Again stunned by the unexpected sounds and colors the sable mentally thanked her feline for warning her about what was coming. Yes, her feline the sable decided as she followed Millicent through that gauntlet of rice throwing well wishers to the waiting car.

“See now why car” the sable laughed as she brushed rice pellets off her Songmark uniform. “Was like flying upside down with eyes closed. In storm.”

In response Millicent grasped her mate, giving her a kiss that eventually curled the Russians toe claws. “I love you” the feline whispered as she nuzzled Tatiana’s throat, then hugged the sable tightly. “I truly love you.” Tatiana could only return that kiss, for Millicent left her no breath with which to speak.

They arrived at the reception hall, actually a multi-use hall attached to one of the resorts, to find four Songmark girls standing in front of the door at full attention. Prudence Akroyd, Ada Cronstein, Belle Lapinssen and Carmen Velasquez. As was her place as dorm leader Prudence opened the car door for Millicent, taking her paw and escorting her a few steps from the car. Ada opened Tatiana’s door, repeating the process, while whispering into the Russian’s ear. “Prudence is beside herself, you married before she did.” As there was nothing Tatiana could do about that fact she simply joined her Millicent, taking her paw. Thus they walked into the reception hall, two Songmark students first, Lady and wife second with the final two Songmark girls last. An honor guard. Of sorts.

Inside all was bright bunting, colorfully draped tables and chairs. There were strange tropical centerpieces that Millicent ran too, for she just had to see them closer. To Tatiana they were simply flowers, though having helped her adopted mother attend shrines she recognized many more species than Millicent did. A fact that had the feline asking all sorts of odd questions of her new wife. At least Tatiana thought they were odd. Who cared how long a certain bloom would last after being cut and placed in water. That gardening was one of the feline’s great delights had surprised the Russian. Gardening, and children. Tatiana shivered at that thought. This sometimes flightily woman she had just married was already planning a family.

Finally Millicent pulled Tatiana back towards the main door. “Our guests are arriving my love” she explained. “We must greet each and ever one as they enter. I fear that we shall both have very sore paws tonight.”

‘Great’ the Russian thought. ‘Another noisy mess, and I had thought it all over after the vows.’ Millicent it was obvious, had carefully researched weddings at some time in her life, or attended a great many of them. She was obviously making certain that this would be a day neither would ever forget. Though after the twentieth greeting Tatiana found herself on autopilot. How many were coming? Which were the revolutionaries? Who was a danger to Millicent, whom she had just sworn to forever protect. And why were people constantly slipping papers or envelopes into both their paws? Things that Millicent slipped from Tatiana’s grasp, then offered to a young girl hiding behind them holding a flower draped basket. As her nervousness increased Tatiana came to the realization that she may have just married. May have been helped to love this woman, but her fear for the felines safety was something that would never go away. It was a true, lifelong punishment. ‘I believe I shall go mad from this’ she thought as she greeted a German girl who was vaguely familiar. One who greeted Millicent most warmly. This one her mind instantly tagged as potentially dangerous. Yet finally the greeting line was over. Her lips were now sore (‘some of those women were obviously sapphic’ Tatiana realized much too late) and her paw somewhat swollen. All she wanted now was a quite place and time to relax.

It was not to be. There was cutting the cake, feeding a small piece to Millicent, who did the same to Tatiana as camera’s flashed. Much too sweet the Russian decided. Speeches, dancing, music, avoiding a great deal of wine. Millicent also avoided most of the wine Tatiana noticed with pride. Not enough, but most. She was learning. Removing Millicent’s garter then tossing it towards a certain selection of unmarried males, and a scattering of females. Who captured that fragrant bit of cloth the Russian had no idea. It had been a rather embarrassing moment for Tatiana though she did not understand why, especially when more than a little of Millicent’s leg was open for observation by any who cared to look. She remembered Millicent tossing her bouquet into a group of young women, who fought for the small bundle of flowers as though it were greatly important.

Then finally, unexpectedly, they had a few moment alone together. But only a few, as that seamstress from the English Consulate helped Millicent out of her dress, packing it and the felines slip away while Millicent slipped into a more normal outfit for herself. That dress would be carefully cleaned then shipped, by diplomatic pouch, to Millicent’s mother to store away. Certainly neither Millicent or Tatiana had any place to keep such an item.

“Now what” Tatiana asked as she loosened her blouse. It was like an oven in this heat, with too many bodies and not enough air circulation. She felt as though she had just finished one of her tutors more frightening physical tests.

“Now my dear wife” Millicent answered. “We say goodbye to our guests, then return to my quarters.” She gave a slightly sad smile for a moment. “Normally we would be off on our honeymoon, still as you must complete Songmark’s year else be ejected forever, we will have but tonight. I much look forward to watching you accept your diploma. Still I warn you my love, Hawaii awaits us. I most certainly promise to keep you both well fed and very exhausted while we are there.”

“I shall much look forward to your attempt” Tatiana bluffed, already knowing that in this area her companion was much better equipped than she herself.

“Then let us go. It has been too long since I have last been with you.” Millicent abruptly stopped. “Tatiana. Please?”

There was something in the felines voice that stopped the sable in her tracks. “Is?” she asked with concern.

“Make Hawaii wonderful for me my love. After. I know you hardly love me, even though you are now my world. I accept that, and I do love you. Yet after I know that there is a good chance you will lose me forever. Please. Just this time, let us have beautiful memories. Please?”

“Dah. Memories we share with grandchildren my Millicent. Together.” Taking her wifes paw into her own she led the way out. Out and into the noise that they would soon be leaving behind. Losing Millicent, the idea sent a dagger of cold fear through the Russian’s heart. For though it was true that she loved Millicent only a little more than one would love a sister, the feline had somehow become important to her. Losing her, no. That would never happen. Not as long as she took one breath.

Even once they had reached Millicent’s quarters supper had proved to be nothing more that quickly snatched sandwich’s from the felines icebox. By the time that they had made it home both were exhausted, for the car they had been loaned had first taken them to the Russian Consulate. Where Comrade Milkin had read several congratulatory radiograms, though she had left her radio on the local station. Sounds of a rather nasty sounding German band making hearing almost difficult. One Radiogram had been from the office of Starling himself. Then she presented both with an envelope each. Each was a single sheet of paper. Tatiana’s held promotion papers, granting her the rank of Major in the Voenno-Vozdushnye Sily, the Soviet Air Force. Millicent’s paper was full citizenship in the Soviet Union. Both pages recently signed by Iosif Starling himself. In red ink.

“You are blessed” Comrade Milkin had told them. “To be noticed by Comrade Starling himself. Millicent, welcome to Russia. I have your papers here, so when you visit there will be no problems for either of you.” She had then placed into Millicent’s paws a small booklet. One Millicent looked to Tatiana before accepting fully.

“So my wife is now a Major’ the feline said with a hint of a giggle in her voice. “Oh how this will impress Major Hawkins, for he was in this thirties before such a rank rested upon his shoulders.”

“Dah. And he is retired” Tatiana replied. “This rate I outrank him soon. Then I tell him what do. Thank you Comrade Milkin. I am sorry, we must go.”

“I understand comrade” the raccoon answered in Russian. “I will look forward to your next report. Be certain that your wedding photograph will reach Comrade Starling in perfect condition. Go with God.” She then opened to door letting both out of her office.

Then they had found themselves at the American Consulate, where Two Red Stones himself had approached Millicent. “I see now that our mad passionate affair is off” he had announced with a dour face, though there was a smile in his eyes. He and Millicent had shared one lunch together, just last Saturday. As friends.

Millicent had surprised the cougar by turning to Tatiana. “This one” she announced, though her voice was pitched just high enough for the three to hear. No one else. “Tatiana. Please. When you allow me to have kittens for us. Please let me ask him first.”

Flustered the Amerindian was even more taken aback by the brazen examination Tatiana gave him. “You have good taste” the sable answered. “Yes. And when I am ready, perhaps he gifts me as well?”

Completely taken aback by the two the cougar could do nothing but blink for a bit. “A fine joke” he finally managed to answer.

“Want in writing?” Tatiana asked. “Sign in blood? We serious. We desire family. Large family. Want strong male grant us what want. Will at least think about such?”

“I.. I would have to write home first” Two Red Stones admitted. “True. I am not yet married. I am promised.”

Tatiana nodded in understanding. “Ask please. We accept answer, but explain is only for kittens. Not want take shared husband.”

“I will then. Ah, here comes the Ambassador.” Using that escape the cougar vanished, much to Millicent’s amusement. Again they were forced to listen to congratulatory radiograms, almost all from names neither knew. Then again the single gift each and off they went. This permission to visit certain military bases in Hawaii and be granted space available transportation from island to island.

To find themselves repeating the process at Millicent’s own Consulate. Where Tatiana found herself holding a legal English passport and citizenship papers, while Millicent found that she was the proud owner of a recently refurbished sailboat. One currently moored in the Consulate marina.

“We really hadn’t any use for it anymore” Mr. Dassher explained. “In truth, we were deciding wither to sell it or give it away. Your marriage deal girl was just at the correct moment.”

“But. Mr. Dassher. I do not know anything about boats” Millicent admitted.

“I do” Tatiana admitted. “I teach you, dah?”

“Is pravda” the English girl laughed. “We shall sail around the world, never stepping foot upon land again.”

“Nyet. Must reprovision.” Glancing at the ownership papers Tatiana laughed. “Is only twenty-two foot. Will never make from here to Tillimok. Is pleasure boat.”

“Yes it is, and many are the people who have enjoyed time aboard her” Dassher admitted. “But she is old, built in 1918. A fair weather ship only I am afraid, but the best that we could do. Millicent, your new passport will be ready when you return to work Monday. Now I think that you two would like some time alone.”

They had left then, by the time that they had closed Millicent’s front door behind them, Tatiana easily carrying Millicent over the threshold, finding her sofa was the only thing on their minds. Unfortunately, some kind soul had stacked all their wedding gifts upon it. Along with dozens and dozens of further radiograms. It was going to be a long afternoon both realized.

Eventually some sense was made of everything, with Tatiana making the light snack while Millicent carefully sorted their messages. “I shall spend all this week writing thank you notes” the feline sighed. “At least I am able to forge your signature my love. I shan’t see you again until school is out, shall I?”

“I not know pravda” the sable admitted. “Not for month certain. Dormmates get passes dah, must make up for this special time.” She sat a plate next to Millicent, settling down a little away from her. They had been pressed together all day and Tatiana desperately wanted a little time to clear her mind. “Day has been overload” she admitted. “Need time think straight. Something Comrade Milkin say bother me.”

“Then we shall relax several hours, before dealing with this mountain” Millicent decided. She stood to walk over to her radio, selecting a channel that carried music both had found that they liked. Setting back down on the sofa she looked at her sandwich, then to Tatiana. “Too much alcohol today for myself. Do you mind much that we save the champaign for the day we leave?”

Tatiana herself wasn’t affected by the little alcohol she had ingested. As always, Millicent had eaten only a little before drinking. It was a fault that would have to be corrected the Russian knew. “Must eat” she ordered. “Bread help settle stomach. Rest, best cure for too much drink I think.”

“Rest? Oh my love. There is one last ceremony that we must preform on our wedding night” the feline told Tatiana. “We must consummate our wedding vows, else our marriage is not legally binding.” She giggled a moment. “As in certain ways I am still much the maiden, I should not be by sunrise should I desire out marriage to be legal. For us, it goes like this.” Very bluntly, very graphically Millicent Bryzov-Wei explained to her amused, them amazed wife exactly what was going to happen, and for how long. True to her heritage much later, when the lights were off, Millicent proved to Tatiana that she was very much her mothers daughter. That even the thought of rest was the last thing on her mind this night.

Late the next evening a rather exhausted looking sable made her way to Songmark’s gates. Stopping at the little passthrough window she tiredly slid her pass through. A pass that was carefully examined, perhaps overly examined by the two second years currently on guard. Finally they seemed satisfied, returning that little pastecard before opening Songmark’s gates to allow their fellow student entry. Any hope of slipping in unnoticed ended when, with its traditional ear twisting squeal the gates hinges announce the return of Tatiana Bryzov-Wei, recently married to one Millicent Elizabeth Holmes. Though she could not see her fellow students, the impact of so many eyes watching her at one time was almost a physical force. Quietly Tatiana walked over to the only office with a light on. She had to return her pass, then make a verbal report as was part of her passes requirements.

Sometime just after midnight and a very long, very cold shower Tatiana eased her body onto her bed, pulling her blanket up over her. Three sets of eyes were watching her every move, yet Tatiana didn’t feel like talking. “Need sleep” she reported. “Not have any since yesterday morning. Talk tomorrow.” With a jaw cracking yawn she was soon asleep, leaving her three classmates looking amused. Had they seen the smile on Tatiana’s face they would have wondered. Oh yes, the Russian had given a report to the yellow furred tutor awaiting her. A very detailed, moment by moment report that left the hound amazed by Millicent’s energy reserves. And her imagination.